On Friday, the White House released estimates that $160 billion in stimulus spending created or preserved 650,000 direct jobs. The stimulus program awarded $3.8 billion to South Carolina, and $702 million have been received, according to recovery.gov. These funds have created or saved 8,147 jobs as of Oct. 30, and these jobs are quite welcome given the state of our state.

The Darlington County Humane Society showed off some recent improvements at the animal shelter Thursday with an open house at the facility. Among the improvements is a new adoption courtyard that will allow prospective pet owners and pets the opportunity to get to know each other before an adoption.

For the 36th consecutive year, the Center Theater in Hartsville will be the site for the Little Miss and Teen Miss Hartsville and Darlington County beauty pageants. This event is a double pageant with winners crowned in each category, one representing Hartsville and one Darlington County. Winners will represent each area for 2009-10 and go on to compete in the state pageant in June.

For the 36th consecutive year, the Center Theater in Hartsville will be the site for the Little Miss and Teen Miss Hartsville and Darlington County beauty pageants. This event is a double pageant with winners crowned in each category, one representing Hartsville and one Darlington County. Winners will represent each area for 2009-10 and go on to compete in the state pageant in June.

DARLINGTON - A dedication ceremony for a state historical marker for the old Darlington County jail, now the home of the Darlington County Historical Commission offices, will take place at 1 p.m. Nov. 13 at the commission building at 204 Hewitt St., Darlington.

Tobacco farming was once a way of life for many in the Pee Dee region. Today, farmlands in this area are no longer dominated by tobacco, though traces of the crops past dominance are evident. Tobacco barns dot our landscape, and a heritage trail in the honor of the crop runs from I-95 in Darlington County to US501 along the Grand Stand.

Several Republican candidates for statewide office are scheduled to appear at a barbecue hosted by the Darlington County Republican Party at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Lawton Park.

The BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation presented a $70,000 grant to the Free Medical Clinic of Darlington County on Friday at Lawton Park in Hartsville.

Ovis Hill Farm and Clemson Extension have teamed together for two full days of family fun and educational activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. As part of Darlington County’s Farm-City Week celebration, this event provides the opportunity for families and children to learn that “The Farm is where Food is Born.“

People & Events

Hartsville Area Happenings

Darlington County First Steps held a Fun Fall Festival at Fairfield Inn on Thursday as part of the monthly parents as teachers meeting. Officer Mica Griggs of the Hartsville Police Department was the guest speaker for the program and spoke on safety while trick or treating.

Federal stimulus funds will be used to upgrade Oxpen Road in the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, located off U.S. 1 near McBee.

One of the alleged victims of a Darlington County man and woman accused of committing multiple crimes against children testified during the first day of their trial Tuesday.

Wiggles is a fun little teen who is super with other cats and friendly. She lost her tail due to an injury but has sprung back and is as active as ever! Please stop by the Darlington County Humane Society shelter to visit with Wiggles and all of her friends.